I looked into the database on this one, looks like the reference goes in as a type 6 with no information on what configuration it's attached to or anything. As far as I know you can only get BOM info on type 1 references, everything else just shows up in the contains tab. Oddly enough looks like it doesn't even show up on the where used tab for the sub-part unless you pick do not show configurations.

I was looking into the same problem to see if any resolution has come about to this long running dilemma, that derived parts (e.g. machined castings) do not allow their structure (e.g. cast or base parts) to display in a SW or PDM BOM. Did you ever find a good solution, or do you recommend using an assembly to create machined versions of a casting (to support independent PNs and BOM structure for direct export into ERP)? The limitations of assembly features (although getting better in recent versions) seem to be the biggest drawback to using assemblies, and why so many people do the "Insert Part" method. Also, Boolean operations are possible with derived parts, which is useful for cases of molded inserts (e.g. Copy Body, then Combine (Subtract)).

Well, that's good to know of the possibility before changing our standard practice (currently we use derived part). The main thing we want to accomplish is accurate BOM structure output for drawings and PDM BOMs (to avoid the need to manually add the casting as raw stock). If inserted parts could be toggled (case-by-case) to either "Show in BOM" or "Exclude from BOM", essentially the same as a part in an assembly, that would solve the problem. You wouldn't want it always one way or the other (e.g. for mirrored parts, this option would not be useful as the "make from" is only needed in CAD, not representative of the real world structure). Now, if only this would be available in 2018 SP5! We will have to wait a year or so to see 2019 improvements, but happy to hear this long standing problem may be soon addressed! Randy Simmons, can you confirm if SW 2019 has provided this functionality?